Tobacco Documents Online

I WIWAM G. MILLIKEN, Go..rnor MAURICE S. REIZEN, M.D., D'v.clor Ben D. Barker, D.D.S., Chairperson Citizens' Panel on Smoking and Health 3500 North Logan Street P. 0. Box 30035 Lansing, Michigan 48909 Dear Doctor Barker: STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH 3500 N. LOGAN. P.O. BOX 30035. LANSING. MICHIGAN 48909 October 7, 1980 Cigarette smoking is a public health problem of paramount importance in the United States. The major killers and cripplers of 1980 are chronic diseases. Among the major causative factors of the modern epidemic diseases that can be controlled is cigarette smoking. In fact, cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of avoidable mortality and morbidity in the American population today. Evidence to this effect is contained in the attached summary of major research reports on the health effects of cigarette smoking. Viewed as a public health problem posing significant hazards and expense to both smokers and non-smokers, it is entirely appropriate for measures to be taken to reduce and control cigarette smoking in order to protect the health and safety of the public. The full range of possible remedies to the smoking problem in Michigan has been examined by the select Citizens' Panel on Smoking and Health appointed by Governor Milliken in 1980. The Panel has, after several months of exhaustive research and public testimony from interested organizations in Michigan, produced a set of recommendations constituting a practical and feasible action plan for consideration by the citizens of the state and their elected officials. The Michigan Department of Public Health strongly endorses the statements of findings and recommendations set forth in the proceedings and draft Report of the Citizens' Panel on Smoking and Health. These recommended actions to contain and reduce cigarette smoking to protect the public warrant the full cooperation and support of the legislative and executive branches of state government. This is a problem of first order that we can afford to control without delay, in the interest of present and future generations of Michigan citizens. Sincerely, Maurice S. Rbizen, M.D. Di rector F f I. i ~ I i r i i 'Eqva! Health Opportueihj for AIt' -is9- L